The September field trip was a return to “Wandoo Ridge”, a 450acre bush block owned by Dave Daniels and Libby Burgess. Libby and young son Andrew were our hosts as Dave was working away and unfortunately unable to join us. A total of 5 members made the trip. Driving west along the Arthur River to Boyup Brook Road past cultivated paddocks with crops and sheep the property, with its excellent remnant woodland and heath, really stands out. It has lovely stands of Wandoo and regrowth Jarra together with some old Marris. The Wandoo were in flower during our visit.

The soils vary from sandy areas to rocky laterite outcrops up on the ridge which makes for a varied range of vegetation. Flowering species included Stackhousia monogyna, five species of Stylidiums, numerous Cat’s Paws, Dryandra, Hibbertia, Snakevine, Lechenaultia biloba, Wedding Bush (Ricinocarpus glaucus), Gompholobium confertum, two small varieties of Conostylis, Verticordia (both yellow and pink), Calytrix exstipulata and Dampiera linearis. Of the orchids Cowslips (Caladenia flava) were numerous and were nicely tinged with splashes of red.

There were also some nice patches of Fringed Mantis Orchids (Caladenia falcata) and a few plants of what is believed to be Yellow Spider orchid (Caladenia denticulata) were found along the entrance track.

A total of 18 species of birds were identified, with two new species being ticked off my personal list, the White Browed Babbler and the White Naped Honeyeater. Golden Whistlers were numerous and a Rufous Tree Creeper was a common visitor to the camp area. Other species included Restless Flycatcher, Inland Thornbill, Dusky Woodswallow and Red Capped Parrot. Elegant Parrots and Ringneck parrots were spotted feeding on the ground in a grassy area amongst lots of cape weed.

Many Bobtail Skinks were spotted – despite the fact that it was overcast weather with rain not far away. Several large Grey Kangaroos were spotted over the weekend.

A walk down to shut the gate on the first evening gave us the opportunity to do a night stalk but no marsupials or other mammals were spotted. Amongst the bark of a very large Marri we spotted three Huntsman spiders and a 80mm long centipede. Many Wolf Spiders were also spotted.

Despite the rain that arrived late Sunday afternoon and continued through to early Monday morning our spirits were not dampened. It had been a great weekend. Monday morning dawned with clear skies and we took the opportunity to take a few more photographs before packing up our cars and heading for home.

Thanks to Libby for inviting us to visit and for taking the time to show us around. It was much appreciated.

Colin Prickett